The Hawaiian gazette., 1887-12-06
Honolulu, Dec. l, 1887.
The Road Bill.
Solo,.


EDITOR GAZETTE: In recent issue of the
GAZETTE l noticed a communication from
Mr.. J. NJ. Lydgate, of Laupahoehoe, on the
new road bill. From this letter it is seen
that be does not think much of this bill, and
among his objections is the following re-
mark: 8" l suppose the time will never come,
short of the millennium, when people will
cease to complain of roads and anathematize
Road Supervisors, and that Road Commits
sion gives its services gratultously will not
shield it from the abuse of those whose
tongues are more ready than their judg-
ment."
This language is somewhat ambiguous and
indefinite, but is evidently meant as stric-
ture on those persons that have expressed
their opinion of these roads, and to say the
least, IL is not very complimentary notice
of them. Further than this, it is a general
sweeping condemnation of the whole travel
ing public. from the highest TO the lowest,
for il Is we'll known fact that no person. of
whatever condition, ever rode over the Hilo
road without condemning it; and some of
these persons probably used language that
was more forcible than elegant; but when we
combine all that has ever been said of it, it
does not begin to convey any idea of the true
condition of the Hilo road.
That some one was deserving of censure is
true, and that they got 1t no one need be sur
prised; the surprise is that the whole popu-
lation did not rise up as one man, and de-
mand and enforce their right. Again, it
! is a mistake TO suppose that all
of this abuse was intended for the
Road Supervisor. He is probably TO blame,
to some extent but these attacks were
mainly leveled at and intended for the gov
eminent then in existence and who deserved
all the censure they received and more than
they got. These complaints were part of the
| general cry that WAS going up from every dis
trict, from every island, against mismanage-
ment, bad government and corruption, and
probably had something to do with the down
fall of that rotten regime, and if such is the
case these abueers deserve praise instead of
blame.
In regard to this bill, it seems to be Just
about what every one has been clamoring
for, and new that there is probability of its
becoming q law something else is wanted.
| This demonstrates the fact that legislators
may at times be placed in the same category
as Road Supervisors and might as reasonably
make the same excuse.
Again, | cannot conceive it possible that
auy man should refuse to take this position
on account of the abuse that would be heaped
upon him. Is it reasonable to suppose that
because man has been blamed for neglect
ing his duty, another should be abused for
doing it? Certainly net. The people of these
Islands are as fair-ninded, impartial and
unbiased in their judgments as any people in
the world and would endure as much, but
they don't propose to be habitualy trod
upon like worms; on the contrary, they know
their rights and intend to maintain them
irrespective of any person, party, or power
whatever
Further than this contend that if man
takes any kind of position, whether it be
public or private, gratuitous or salaried, if
he do his duty he will be commended, If he
neglects it he will be condemned. But GER
tain it is there are exceptions to this rule as
to all others, and 1t matters not what calling
man may follow, he may expect to en-
counter cranks who always stand as stum-
bling blocks to his progress; but no one ever
pays any attention to them. If one does his
duty conscientiously, steadfastly and hon
estly he will at least have his own approba-
ton, which to him is of far more value than
the applause Of the whole world without 1t.
VETERAN OBSERVER.
Hilo November 18th.